The Probation Service of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Mediation Council organized training sessions on “Application of Restorative Justice in the Probation System” for mediators. Master's degree students from Azerbaijan University, who volunteer with the Probation Service, actively participated in the training. 

The opening session featured speeches by Vugar Aghayev, Head of the Probation Service, and Nadir Adilov, Chairman of the Board of the Mediation Council. They highlighted the significance of restorative justice and the implementation of this mechanism in Azerbaijan. It was noted that this pilot project is being carried out with mediator involvement for the first time. 

Fifteen mediators attended the two-day training sessions, during which trainers delivered presentations on both conceptual and practical aspects of restorative justice, the application of mediation in criminal cases, the objectives of mediation between victims and offenders, the potential for implementing this mechanism in Azerbaijan's probation system, and the broader aspects of probation and mediation, including key points of mediation legislation. 

At the training sessions, volunteers from Azerbaijan University, as well as social workers and psychologists, presented their work on the social adaptation and rehabilitation of individuals registered with the probation service, a simulation exercise involving mediators and volunteers was also conducted. Probation Service representatives provided mediators with detailed information on the essence of probation, international and national experiences, key aspects of legislation, the functions and powers of the Probation Service, and digital monitoring systems. 

The training also featured presentations by Azerbaijan University students Imran Huseynli, Arzu Badalova, and Haji Soduyev. Imran Huseynli spoke on “The Essence of Social Work and the Role of Social Workers,” outlining the core principles of social work and the critical role of social workers. Arzu Badalova delivered a presentation titled “Enhancing the Role of Social Work in Restorative Justice and Mediation,” emphasizing the importance of social workers' participation in restorative justice and mediation processes,  the influence of mediators on the psychological well-being and relationships of beneficiaries, utilizing approaches from social workers and psychologists. Haji Soduyev presented “The System of Social Support in Restorative Justice: Participation and Collaboration of Social Workers,” highlighting the importance of social support provided by social workers and their collaboration with other professionals.

In conclusion, certificates were awarded to the mediators who completed the inaugural restorative justice training. 

As per the agreement between the Probation Service and the Mediation Council, further training on this subject will continue in the future.

                                                                     Public Relations Department